Council to cover cost of disposal of recalled kinetic sand from Gisborne schools

ME Jukes & Son Ltd owner Trevor Jukes and Cheryl Taylor (health and safety support) in the business's asbestos isolation area with kinetic sand products deposited by several schools.

Schools and parents concerned about kinetic sand products following positive tests for asbestos can dispose of the items at ME Jukes & Son.

The carrier and quarry business based in Stanley Rd has a landfill at Ormond and a consent to dispose of asbestos.

Jukes owner Trevor Jukes said he received a phone call from a council solid waste engineer and was asked if he could help with the disposal of the kinetic sand.

Jukes replied that the company would do anything it could.

“We’ll make sure people can get rid of it.”

Asbestos had been a problem in Gisborne for generations, he said.

“If you have asbestos or anything other than an atomic bomb, bring it down here and we’ll see if we can sort it out for you.

“Just a few schools have come in so far with the sand products,” he said.

A Gisborne District Council statement said the kinetic sand products could be taken to the Jukes yard during their operating hours of 7.30am to 4.30pm.

Schools and the public are asked to report to reception to be directed to the drop-off area.

The cost will be covered by the council.

“If you need to dispose of other contaminated materials, ie carpet, etc, this is at the cost of the school/Ministry of Education.”

Creatistics Coloured Sand is among the sand products recalled over asbestos contamination fears.

The council statement said a nationwide recall of coloured sand products had been issued by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment after tremolite and chrysotile (naturally occurring asbestos in quartz) was detected in some samples.

The recalled products are Kmart Magic Sand (four products), Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand.

More than 120 schools and early childhood centres have contacted the Ministry of Education over possible asbestos contamination from recalled coloured play sands.

Health New Zealand said people would not have to take any immediate steps to manage their health if they, or their children, had been exposed to these products.

Any sand product in original containers, before being taken for disposal, should be placed in a thick plastic bag and sealed securely with tape.

Place that bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal it securely with tape, and label it clearly as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material”.